VIRUS: The ‘I’ of the storm

Decisions are hard, and rarely do decisions come without criticism — rightfully earned or politicized.

We live in a democracy, and, as members thereof, we cede the “I” in favor of “we.”

We are dealing with a medical illness now that has the potential to affect nearly all of us. Specific percentages aside, the vast majority of us will experience the normal flu symptoms and recover fully. A far, far smaller percent — elderly, vulnerable — will have greater risk of death due to complications of symptoms.

Our leaders opted to shut down our economy and order social distancing, in large part to “flatten the curve” and avoid a flood of patients in hospitals. These mandates affect all of us, the small business owner, the hourly worker, the single parent balancing work and child care.

Decisions… It is difficult to say that the lives of those vulnerable to a disease are worth more or less than those of the collective. Just as a military commander may know that his unit will take 20 percent losses in order to achieve an objective, the strategic goal — the interest of America — takes precedence.

We should do our best to ensure the least lives are lost due to illness, regardless of the source. But we should not sacrifice the livelihood of the majority, or the strategic strength of the United States for the interests of a few. Tough times require bold leadership in the face of relentless criticism and bold courage on the part of its citizens to see past “I.”

BRIAN GREENE

Coeur d’Alene